The Play of Masks

This late work of Frithjof Schuon represents a general survey of his metaphysical perspective, which is that of the Sophia perennis, or “perennial wisdom” found at the heart of the world's religions. This new edition of The Play of Masks features a fully revised translation from the French original as well as over 50 pages of new material, including previously unpublished selections from the author's letters and other private writings. Also included is an editor's preface, extensive editor's notes, a glossary of foreign terms and phrases, an index, and biographical notes. Composed of short independent treatises, this book presents readers with fundamental keys for understanding the nature of God, the world, and the human situation. Throughout his writings, Schuon emphasizes the centrality of three elements: Truth, Way, and Virtue. The Truth is what we must know; the Way is what we must do; Virtue is what we must love, become, and be.

Frithjof Schuon (1907-1998) is best known as the foremost spokesman of the Perennial Philosophy. A gifted artist and poet as well as the author of over twenty books on religion, metaphysics, sacred art, and the spiritual path, Schuon’s books have been translated into over a dozen languages and are respected by academic and religious authorities alike.

Harry Oldmeadow was Coordinator of Philosophy and Religious Studies at La Trobe University Bendigo, Australia, until his recent retirement. He is a well-respected authority on the Perennialist school of comparative religion and the author of Frithjof Schuon and the Perennial Philosophy. He lives in Bendigo, Australia.

CONTENTS

Editor’s Preface by Harry Oldmeadow vii

Foreword xiii

Prerogatives of the Human State 1

Man in the Cosmogonic Projection 15

The Play of Masks 23

Ex Nihilo In Deo 31

In the Face of Contingency 37

Delineations of Original Sin 47

On Intention 51

Remarks on Charity 59

No Initiative without Truth 61

Being Conscious of the Real 67

The Liberating Passage 71

Appendix

Selections from Letters and Other Previously

Unpublished Writings 77

Norms and Paradoxes in Initiatic Alchemy 91

Editor’s Notes 101

Glossary of Foreign Terms and Phrases 119

Index 129

Biographical Notes 135